Ramona Jean Waldrop

Ramona Jean Waldrop, 95, of Herrin, passed away at 3:00 in the morning on January 27th at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, Illinois.

She was born on July 21, 1930 in rural Williamson County to Clethra and Bertie (Cannon) McGee. Ramona graduated from Marion High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to Charles Ronald (Ron) Waldrop in Herrin on July 8, 1950. Together, they were blessed with 57 years of marriage until his death on October 28th, 2007.

Ramona was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Herrin, where she previously served as deacon. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and the Herrin Junior Women’s Club, in which she served as President for several years. Mrs. Waldrop was Regional Secretary for the Illinois Emergency Services and Disaster Agency located in the State Office Building in Marion. She retired in 1991.

Ramona loved to play golf and was a member of the Franklin County Country Club. She also served as former president of the Ladies Golf Association. She and her husband, Ron, spent many hours on the course here, as well as other well-known golf courses. As much as she loved golf, her real passion in life was her family. Ramona and Ron were always there for their children’s - and then grandchildren’s - school activities and sporting events. They both made sacrifices so that their children could have the best lives possible. Ramona was known for her outgoing personality, fiery red hair, immaculate style, and shopping in 4-inch heels. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings on Thanksgiving (even though she never thought they turned out right), and hosting an elaborate “Christmas Eve Event” - including visits from Santa - which the whole family cherished for over 40 years.

Survivors include a daughter, Tara (Scott) Hamlin of Johnston City; a son, Kevin (Debbie) Waldrop of Marion; six grandchildren, who lovingly called her Grandma Mona: Katie Vordtriede of Herrin, Erin Baker of Herrin, Matthew Vordtriede of Chicago, Justin (Ashley) Waldrop of Columbia, IL, Bryan (Jamie) Waldrop of Madison, WI, Trey (Kasey) Waldrop of Marion, and two “bonus” granddaughters; Lindsey (William) Heldenfelds and Jayma (Josh) Stroud. Great-grandchildren include Taryn Vordtriede, Tegan Newbury, Ellis Waldrop, Moxen Waldrop, Thea Waldrop, Emerli Stroud, Beckett Stroud and Scottie Heldenfelds. She is also survived by a sister, Pat (P.D.) Noakes of Marion and nieces Jennifer (Tommy) Hartwell and Michele (Robert) Daun; nephews Richard Snider and Larry McGee; and several great nieces and nephews and loving friends.

Proceeding Mrs. Waldrop in death was her beloved husband, her parents, her in-laws, Charles and Alice Waldrop, brothers Paul (Jean) McGee and Kenneth (Mary) McGee, brother-in-law Arlen (Marie) Waldrop and niece Kimberly Crowe-Lattuca.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home, under the direction of Binkley-Ross Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 16th at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 N. Court St., Marion, IL. Visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm with a service following. Ramona’s ashes will be buried alongside her husband at Herrin City Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home.